BISMARCK, N.D. – The North Dakota Senate has passed a bill that would prevent state auditors from releasing information about an investigation until a decision is made on whether it will be criminally prosecuted.
Republican Rep. Pat Heinert says a 2019 audit of the Department of Commerce drew his attention to the issue. State Auditor Josh Gallion released his conclusion that the department mishandled state money and failed to adhere to public bid requirements in developing the state’s new logo. No criminal charges were filed in the case.
The bill now goes to Gov. Doug Burgum.
